Plan your European river cruise to avoid low and high water levels, excessive crowds and freezing temperatures.
Choosing the best time for a river cruise in Europe can be tricky. You don’t want to find your tour disrupted by low and high water levels, broken locks and frozen rivers after you have booked your tickets.
Although the weather can ruin your plans at any time of the year, some months are more appealing than others for river cruising.
We have done the research and come up with the best time for a European river cruise.
Best time for a river cruise in Europe
September
Why?
September has a pleasant climate and normal water levels, which means there is a minimal chance of disruption due to low or high water levels and frozen rivers. In addition, large crowds will have dissipated by September, so there’s no need to book your cruise a year in advance or to pay a higher price..
Overview
With the majority of summer crowds and high prices gone and the heat of July and August behind you, September brings some of the most pleasant river cruising conditions. During April, May and June, the melting of snow coupled with spring rains flood most European rivers. As a result, boats are often unable to pass under low-hanging bridges due to the high water level.
When levels start to recede around August, especially after a dry summer, cruises can be postponed or cancelled altogether due to water being too low in some of the river systems, but if this is the best time for you to travel, you can make sure you're covered by getting cruise insurance that may compensate you for altered itineraries or cancelled sailings altogether. By November and December, you run the risk of rivers freezing in northern and eastern Europe. They’re sometimes closed shortly after Christmas during the dead of winter. The colder temperatures may also deter you from sitting out on the cruise deck to enjoy views of the passing countryside.
Weather and prices
- Best time for a European river cruise, weather-wise: From late June to mid-October the climate is warm and dry.
- Cheapest time for a European river cruise: Europe attracts fewer visitors during winter due to freezing temperatures. This makes river cruises cheaper during October, November and December.
Best time for a river cruise in Europe for:
- Rhine River: Despite the risk of high water levels during spring (March and April), a river cruise at this time of year can be a rewarding experience due to blossoming tulip gardens along the river. If you want to play it safe, avoid the rainy months from April to June.
- Danube River: River cruises on the Danube are increasingly popular in December thanks to vibrant celebrations and cities dressed up beautifully for Christmas.
- Amsterdam to Budapest (Main, Rhine, Danube) cruise: If you want to view Dutch tulip gardens, April and May are the best months to take a cruise. If you prefer Christmas markets, December is the right time for your trip. Take the cruise in September for pleasant weather and reliable water levels.
Latest Europe river cruise deals
CruiseAway
Up to $1,000 air credit with Holland America
Valid on select 2019 and 2020 sailings. Destinations include New Zealand, Australia, Northern Europe, South Pacific and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to 46% off Celebrity cruises
Valid for travel on select 2020 dates. Destinations include Mediterranean Sea, Southern Europe, Pacific, Hawaii, Canada, USA East Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Destination International
13-day Russia river cruises + return flights from $3,999
Valid for travel on select dates between May - October 2020. Includes return flights from Australia to St. Petersburg and Moscow, river cruise on MZ Zosima Shashkov or MS Chicherin, daily meals and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Free Europe flights with Viking River Cruises
Valid for 2020-2021 sailings. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
MSC Cruises
Up to 50% off Europe cruises with free drinks and Wi-Fi
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019 - 2020, including over Christmas. Destinations include Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Croatia, Amsterdam, St. Petersburg and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
MSC Cruises
Winter sale: 8-day Europe cruises from $399
Valid for travel on select dates in November 2019. Destinations include France, Spain, Italy and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
TourAmigo
Up to 40% off Vietnam tours and river cruises
Save on tours and river cruises to Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Mekong River, Ho Chi Minh and more with brands like G Adventures, On The Go, Trafalgar and Contiki.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - Cruises
Free flights, upgrades and 2-for-1 deposits on Viking Cruises
Book a Viking ocean or river cruise in destinations like Italy, France, Norway, the UK, Germany, the USA, Japan and more between August 2019 and March 2021.
Last verified
U River Cruises
Up to 10% off bookings or free drink package
Discount applies for new bookings on 2020 itineraries across Europe. Get 10% discount or free U drink package valued at $349. Destinations include Vienna, Nuremberg, Belgrade, Amsterdam, Brussels and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to 40% off Miami cruises
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019 - 2020. Other destinations include New York, Europe, Caribbean and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Popular Cruises coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Sep 2019 | 2-for-1 last-minute cruises | ******** |
| 28 Aug 2019 | Up to 42% off P&O cruises + free premium beverage package | ******** |
| 21 Aug 2019 | 50% off deposit + Up to $500 OBC with Holland America cruises | ******** |
| 19 Sep 2019 | Australia: 7-night cruise from $852 | ******** |
| 19 Sep 2019 | Vienna: 10% off 8-day cruise | ******** |
